INTERNATIONAL TELECOMMUNICATION UNION

ITU is the leading United Nations agency for information and communication technologies, with the mission to connect the world. To achieve this, ITU manages the radio-frequency spectrum and satellite orbits at the international level, works to improve communication infrastructure in the developing world, and establishes global standards that foster seamless interconnection of a vast range of communication systems.

Senior Speechwriter and Advisor, Emerging Technologies

Vacancy notice no: 1851
Sector: SG
Department: SPM
Country of contract: Switzerland
Duty station: Geneva

Position number: PM08/P4/206
Grade: P4
Type of contract: Fixed-term
Duration of contract: 2 years with possibility of renewal
Recruitment open to: External
Application deadline (Midnight Geneva Time): 8 January 2025

ORGANIZATIONAL UNIT

The General Secretariat directs administrative, human and financial resources and activities of the Union, including the implementation of the provisions of the administrative regulations on operational questions, the dissemination of information on telecommunication/ICT matters for operational and other purposes, and the provision of legal advice to the whole of the Union. The General Secretariat coordinates the implementation of the Strategic Plan, monitors the telecommunication/ICT environment and recommends as needed action relating to the Union’s future policies and strategy. The General Secretariat ensures inter-sectoral coordination and cooperation to advance a whole of ITU approach (One-ITU) in headquarters and the field. The General Secretariat provides logistical and information technology support to the Union’s activities including conferences and global forums; the coordination of the work of the Union with the United Nations system, and other international organizations; and the engagement of the Member States, Sector Members, and Academia. The General Secretariat manages corporate governance, and strategic communications and relations with the media, different stakeholder groups as well as the general public.

Within the General Secretariat, the Strategic Planning and Membership Department (SPM) advises the Secretary-General on strategic challenges and their implications for the Union in the fast evolving telecommunications/ICT environment; develops forward-looking strategic proposals to the ITU management team with a view to ensuring that the organization meets the objectives assigned by the membership; plans and coordinates the corporative and strategic activities with a view to ensuring their accordance with membership objectives; organizes and provides secretariat services to the Plenipotentiary Conference, Council, and other meetings in the general secretariat in order to achieve a high level of involvement from Member States and Sector Members, develops and maintains sound relations with Member States, Sector Members and other entities, the UN and other international organizations. The Department is also responsible for providing expert advice on communication and promotion strategies and for developing and implementing the Union's corporate communication plan in cooperation with the three Sectors with a view to promoting ITU leadership in the field of telecommunications and ICT.

ORGANIZATIONAL CONTEXT

Within the Strategic Planning and Membership Department (SPM), the Senior Speechwriter will be responsible for crafting high-impact speeches, talking points, and statements for the Secretary-General of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU). This role requires a deep understanding of the digital world, international policy, and technological innovation. The Senior Speechwriter and Advisor, Emerging Technologies will be required to interpret ITU’s strategic priorities, ICT-related concepts and complex material into clear, contextually relevant language that is accessible to targeted audiences and accurately reflects the position of ITU.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Speech Development:
Write and edit a wide range of materials including speeches, remarks, op-ed articles, video messages, talking points and press statements, presentations on issues that cover the full spectrum of the International Telecommunication Union for the Secretary-General’s engagements at global forums, conferences, media appearances, and other high-profile events.
Manage the process for the preparation and dissemination of speeches, including working with the Secretary-General, and others in SPM, the Executive Office and across ITU, to maximize the impact of speeches and other communications and ensure their timely delivery.
Ensure consistency and cohesion of messaging with the corporate communications, with an emphasis on building thought leadership, branding and managing reputational risk.

2. Strategic Messaging:
Collaborate with the Secretary-General and the executive team to shape messaging that aligns with ITU’s strategic goals, policies, and initiatives, particularly around global digital transformation, digital inclusion, cybersecurity, and ICT for sustainable development.
Coordinate talking points and Q&As on urgent, sensitive, strategic and/or trending issues, especially those related to Emerging technologies and Trends, for use by ITU communications, the Elected Officials and other ITU spokespersons and subject matter experts.

3. Audience-Centered Content Creation:
Tailor messaging to resonate with diverse stakeholders, including governments, industry leaders, civil society, and international organizations, ensuring clarity and impact across cultures and languages.
Engage in strategic communication, creative storytelling and delivering messages that shape opinions and inspire action, ensuring the articulation of appropriate strategic messaging in Secretariat documents.

4. Research & Analysis:
Conduct thorough research on the topic or the preparation of materials, analyze complex information and ensure a deep understanding of the subject matter, including via relevant reports and inputs from the subject matter experts, tailoring the speech to the interest of the audience.
Conduct, in collaboration with the Emerging Trends team, in-depth research on trends and developments in the digital and telecommunications sectors, including artificial intelligence, satellite communications, digital infrastructure, standards, and ICT for sustainable development. Synthesize insights to inform the Secretary-General’s public remarks.

5. Collaboration & Coordination:
Work closely with ITU’s communications, policy, and technical teams in the Bureaux to integrate institutional knowledge and technical accuracy into speech content.
Liaise with UN counterparts, private sector and other stakeholders to produce speeches and other materials that are persuasive, politically sound and factually accurate and for coordinated messaging on issues of shared interest.
Develop and maintain relationships with a wide range of stakeholders throughout the United Nations system and beyond.

6. Advisory Role:
Act as a specialist advisor to the Secretary-General, providing advice on tone, approach, and positioning on complex digital issues, in addition to supporting strategic communications planning.
Provide coaching in public speaking, presentation skills and interviews, assisting in rehearsing and delivering of the speech.

7. Perform other related duties as assigned.

5. Collaboration et coordination:
Travaille en étroite collaboration avec les équipes chargées de la communication et des politiques et les équipes techniques de l'UIT dans les Bureaux, afin d'intégrer les connaissances institutionnelles dans les discours et de garantir l'exactitude de leur contenu sur le plan technique.
Assure la liaison avec ses homologues au sein du système des Nations Unies, du secteur privé et d'autres parties prenantes, afin de produire des discours et d'autres documents qui soient convaincants, politiquement solides et précis sur le plan factuel et de coordonner les messages sur les questions présentant un intérêt commun.
Établit et entretient des relations avec un large éventail de parties prenantes dans l'ensemble du système des Nations Unies et au-delà.

6. Rôle consultatif:
Joue le rôle de conseiller/ère spécialisé(e) auprès de la Secrétaire générale, donne des avis sur le ton, l'approche et le positionnement à adopter sur des questions complexes liées au numérique, tout en contribuant à la planification des communications stratégiques.
Fournit un accompagnement en matière de prise de parole en public, de techniques de présentation et d'entretiens, et aide à la répétition et à la prononciation du discours.
9. S'acquitte de toute autre tâche connexe qui lui est confiée.

CORE COMPETENCIES

Applying Expertise; Effective Communication; Learning and Knowledge Sharing; Organizational Commitment; Results-Focused, and; Teamwork and Collaboration.

FUNCTIONAL COMPETENCIES

Analysis, Judgement and Decision Making Client and Service Orientation Innovation and Facilitating Change Networking and Building Partnerships Planning and Organising

TECHNICAL COMPETENCIES

• Highly developed communication (spoken, written and public speaking) skills.
• Ability to rapidly analyze and integrate diverse information from varied sources.
• Broad understanding of ICT/telecommunications policy issues, as well as geopolitical sensitivities.
• Demonstrated planning and organizational skills and ability to work to tight deadlines and handle multiple concurrent projects/activities.
• Discretion and sound judgment in applying expertise or complex and/or sensitive issues.
• Ability to speak and write clearly and effectively; listen to others, correctly interpret messages from others and respond appropriately; asks questions to clarify and exhibits interest in having two-way communication.
• Ability to tailor language, tone, style and format to match audience and to demonstrate openness in sharing information and keeping people informed.
• Knowledge of and a good understanding of multicultural and gender requirements and ability to apply UN rules, regulations, policies and guidelines in work situations.

QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED

Education:

Advanced university degree in communications, journalism, international relations, public relations, political sciences or other related field OR education from a reputed college of advanced education with a diploma of equivalent standard to that of an advanced university degree in one of the fields above. For internal candidates, a first university degree in one of the fields above in combination with ten years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of an advanced university degree for promotion or rotation purposes.

Experience:

At least seven years of progressively responsible experience in communications, journalism, international relations including at least three years at the international level.

A Doctorate in a related field can be considered as a substitute for three years of working experience.
Demonstrated experience in writing and editing high-quality materials, including speeches, talking points, toasts, messages and other spoken and written communications for high-profile leaders.

Languages:

Knowledge of one of the six official languages of the Union (Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian, Spanish) at advanced level and knowledge of a second official language at intermediate level. Knowledge of a third official language would be an advantage. (Under the provisions of Resolution No. 626 of the Council, a relaxation of the language requirements may be authorized in the case of candidates from developing countries: when candidates from such countries possess a thorough knowledge of one of the official languages of the Union, their applications may be taken into consideration.)

BENEFITS AND ENTITLEMENTS

Salary:
Total annual salary consists of a net annual salary (net of taxes and before medical insurance and pension fund deductions) in US dollars and a post adjustment (PA) (cost of living allowance). The PA is variable and subject to change without notice in accordance with the rates as set within the UN Common System for salaries and allowances.

Annual salary from $ 77,326 + post adjustment $ 73,692

Other allowances and benefits subject to specific terms of appointment, please refer to: What we offer

INFORMATION ON RECRUITMENT PROCESS

Please note that all candidates must complete an on-line application and provide complete and accurate information. To apply, please visit the ITU Careers website. The evaluation of candidates is based on the criteria in the vacancy notice, and may include tests and/or assessments, as well as a competency-based interview. ITU uses communication technologies such as video or teleconference, e-mail correspondence, etc. for the assessment and evaluation of candidates. Please note that only selected candidates will be further contacted and candidates in the final selection step will be subject to reference checks based on the information provided. Messages originating from a non ITU e-mail account - @itu.int - should be disregarded. ITU does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process.

ITU applies a zero-tolerance policy against all forms of harassment. ITU is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce, and encourages all candidates, irrespective of gender, nationality, religious and ethnic backgrounds, including persons with disabilities, to apply to become a part of the organization. Achieving gender balance is a high priority for ITU.